Leviticus 6:9

"Command Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the hearth of the altar all night, until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar.

Study Bible

Command Aaron and his sons
This phrase establishes the divine authority and responsibility given to Aaron and his descendants, the Levitical priesthood. The Hebrew word for "command" is "tsav," which implies a direct and authoritative instruction from God. This highlights the importance of obedience and the sacred duty of the priests to follow God's ordinances precisely. Historically, Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly service, symbolizing the need for holiness and dedication in serving God.

This is the law of the burnt offering
The "law" here, from the Hebrew "torah," signifies instruction or teaching. The burnt offering, or "olah," meaning "that which goes up," refers to the offering being completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender to God. This offering was a daily ritual, emphasizing the need for continual atonement and dedication to God. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself wholly for humanity's redemption.

The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until morning
The "hearth" refers to the place on the altar where the fire burns. The instruction for the offering to remain all night signifies the perpetual nature of worship and the constant need for atonement. The Hebrew word for "altar" is "mizbeach," which means "a place of sacrifice." This continuous offering points to the unceasing intercession of Christ, our High Priest, who is always before the Father on our behalf.

and the fire on the altar must be kept burning on it
The fire represents God's presence and His consuming holiness. The command to keep it burning, from the Hebrew "ba'ar," meaning "to burn" or "to consume," underscores the necessity of maintaining a vibrant spiritual life. This perpetual fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit's work in believers, purifying and empowering them for service. It also serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people, calling them to remain faithful and zealous in their devotion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a key figure in the establishment of the Levitical priesthood.

2. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing worship and atonement.

4. The Burnt Offering
A specific type of sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, representing total dedication to God.

5. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, where God's presence dwelled.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The command to keep the fire burning signifies the importance of following God's instructions precisely. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word diligently.

Symbolism of the Burnt Offering
The burnt offering represents total surrender and dedication to God. In our lives, we are called to offer ourselves wholly to God, holding nothing back.

Perpetual Worship
The continuous fire on the altar symbolizes ongoing worship and devotion. Our relationship with God should be constant and not limited to specific times or places.

Role of the Priesthood
Aaron and his sons were responsible for maintaining the altar fire, highlighting the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and nurturing the faith of the community.

Spiritual Vigilance
Just as the priests were to keep the fire burning, we must remain vigilant in our spiritual lives, ensuring that our faith remains active and vibrant.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to keep the fire burning on the altar all night relate to our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our modern context, as suggested in Romans 12?

3. How does the role of Aaron and his sons as priests inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our spiritual "fire" remains burning continuously?

5. How does the concept of the burnt offering in Leviticus connect to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews 10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing their roles and responsibilities as priests.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrifices to the New Covenant.

Romans 12
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of the burnt offering.

1 Peter 2
Refers to believers as a royal priesthood, linking the priestly duties of the Old Testament to the spiritual responsibilities of Christians today.